The Art of Living in Joy

I only live in now, this present moment. Most people live in Past and future, but these are not reality. It is a time made up in the mind, a place where fear and angst live. This is a place that fosters worry or regret.

When ever I am in the past of future… I am not. Ego is.

Most discussion is all brought about by ego, being not in the moment. Most of the meaning we try to put on things is only our miss perception of that moment, trying to figure things out rather than just being very present in the moment and letting the information or the experience enter us. This is how we become really aware, being present in the moment and really taking in what ever is going on.

When you get up each day let go of what happened yesterday. Don’t let it define your present state. Release what was and be open to a new experience.
Be open to seeing something differently than you did the day before. This is how I get through difficult situations. Keeping my mind fresh and open to new possibilities. Being able to shift my perceptions. Maybe I will notice a new solution I was not aware of before.

Think of it like this, when a deer wakes up each day in the forest. Do you think she begins the day rehashing what happened yesterday, or complaining about her current situation…? “Oh wow! I am glad I’m still alive… I had a bad scare with the hunters. I was almost Shot. Oh my gosh!!! If I am not careful the same thing will happen today. What will I do, who will take care of my fawn if something happens to me.” No!! All this is made up story. This is what stresses and ages us. This drains us of our energy and clouds our mind.

When animals awake they see what is around them. They notice they are hungry, and thirsty. This is the only thing that is important. They are in the moment. They know which direction to take because they actually look… They see if the way is safe, clear and quiet, and go that direction. They react instinctually. If a wolf jumps out at them they run. They don’t clutter their mind by trying to figure why he is coming after them, or why didn’t he chase the other deer near by? The Deer does not try to analyze the situation. Rather, she just reacts. Many people have forgotten this and go blindly on routine. They do the same thing day after day and are somewhat unaware of what is really around them. Many people are on automatic. When you are in this state you really cannot make a clear decision or react quickly in a given situation. You need to be in the present. “Right here right now”. That is the key. This is where your power comes from. Awareness in situation, being able to really see what is going on and evaluate your options.

What you bring to thought is all a belief system, your pre conceived notions of things. What you think you are seeing at the moment is Usually NOT what you are really seeing at the moment.
What I really know is now, this moment. This is what is real. This current moment. This is the place where change can happen, when we are aware we have the opportunity to make a conscious clear choice.

When you are aware and in the moment these are the tools that will help you to facilitate your daily quest for happiness.

Connect, Discover, Respond….

What is connecting…. ?? The art of knowing. What is going on in the present moment… what or who do we need to connect with. Do we know what is expected of us in each moment, what is the role we must take on to accomplish the task at hand? We need to communicate, and listen to the people and things around us to answer these questions, and achieve our goal. There are always opportunities available when we are present and aware that help us to position ourselves to get the best results.
Observe, process, think about what you are seeing and hearing. Use all your senses to gather as much information as possible…. The sights, the sounds, the smells and tastes are the details that make up the moment. This is where the juice is, the nectar!

The next step once you have observed and taken in the moment is to discover. Using the information you have just gathered, ask relevant questions, turn things over, and look at things more closely. Do what ever you have to do to get a clear understanding of the moment at hand. Communication is also a great tool used to discover. But even more important than talking is listening! Once the questions are asked we must always actively listen. That is the key to good communication. Listening and understanding are fundamental. I believe all issues can be solved with clear direct communication. Most problems arise out of fear and misunderstanding.
We are all here in the world to help each other, there really is enough good to go around for all of us. These are the basics of teamwork and how major feats are accomplished more easily. Take some responsibility…. Be accountable. Be the change you want to see in the world. So many people talk about what is wrong or broken in life but take no one takes individual action.
While working in the many different businesses I have owned, the worst response that I heard much to often was “ Well, that’s not my job” or “that’s not my responsibility”. I have news for you!! Everything is your responsibility. We are all powerful creators and our energy can have a huge effect in the world when we “get this” and come in to alignment with it.

By using everything that you have gathered you must respond to the situation at hand. Take the action. But Keep it fun and enjoyable, if you are in alignment with the moment and your goal, the action or work will seem effortless and enjoyable. Make good choices and respond with passion. What you think about in your mind is what is going to manifest in your life.